1/4/09

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Nanocomposites and plastics are polymer compounds containing relatively low loadings (under 6% by weight) of nanometer-sized mineral particles and natural fibres. They are used as polypropylene and TPO-based automotive exterior claddings, barrier beer bottles, nylon packaging films, polyethylene pipe and wire/cable coatings, etc. New biomaterials are made by incorporating nano-sized biofibres from plants such as hemp, straw, wheat, corn and even turnips, into bioplastic materials made from soya beans or pulp and paper sludge. Nanobiocomposites can be used to make not only interior and exterior car parts, but airplane wings, railway crossties, building beams and biomedical devices such as cardiac valves and intravenous blood bags.